LIGHTS, camera, Britain! Tourism bosses at VisitBritain are turning the focus firmly on the film and TV screen smashes that the world loves in the coming New Year.

The tourist board has sealed a deal with the British Film Commission to cash in on the set-jetting trend that sees holidaymakers heading to favourite filming locations.

It means that the likes of Harry Potter, James Bond, Star Wars, The Crown, Bridgerton, Batman and even Paddington Bear are set to be headline attractions across the length and breadth of Britain.

Patricia Yates and Adrian Wootton sign the deal

VisitBritain has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to leverage surging set-jetting interest as stats show more than half of international travellers say shows and films inspire travel plans.

And there’s plenty of evidence right here on our own doorstep.

Castle Howard in North Yorkshire reported that the number of visitors aged 18-24 to its website increased by more than 3,400% after steamy period drama Bridgerton hit the small screen.

Bridgerton / Netflix

And West Midlands Growth Company saw Birmingham’s visitor numbers increase by 26% between 2013, when the first Peaky Blinders season aired on the BBC, and 2018.

Read more: Batman’s Wayne Manor moved to Burghley

Londonderry’s Tower Museum, meanwhile, welcomed a record number of monthly visitors following the launch of an exhibition based on hit TV show Derry Girls.

Derry Girls / C4

VisitScotland’s research shows up to 18% of inbound visitors from international markets visit a film or TV location during their trips, from Trainspotting in Edinburgh to Braveheart in the Highlands.

Read more: Revealed – Doctor Who’s Welsh home from home

The UK has hosted many globally known film and TV franchises, contributing billions to the UK economy, and in 2022 the British Film Commission provided support to many major productions including The Rings of Power, The Crown, Fast X and Wicked.

Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power / Prime Video

VisitBritain Chief Executive Patricia Yates says: “With almost a third of potential visitors to Britain keen to visit locations used in filming and seen-on-screen, film tourism is a valuable and growing part of our global tourism offer.

Read more: House of the Dragon beach where Bond washed up

“We are delighted to partner with the British Film Commission to harness this growth, working together to put Britain’s screen tourism offer centre stage.

Peaky Blinders / BBC

“Putting the spotlight on film-and-TV-inspired experiences you can only have in Britain encourages more visitors to come and explore our amazing destinations for themselves.”

Read more: Peaky Blinders stars of Birmingham street art

Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of the British Film Commission, agrees: “Much as the UK’s history, dynamism and unique cultural mix have inspired spellbinding films and TV shows, so too have these productions led visitors from all over the world to spend time in the UK.

“From Bridgerton and All Creatures Great and Small to Harry Potter and Rye Lane, the UK is home to countless, iconic film and TV franchises and screen tourism provides a unique and exciting opportunity to showcase destinations.”

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